tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post4585808236745773316..comments2023-11-02T07:25:45.884-05:00Comments on Mormanity - a blog for those interested in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Painful Silence: The Art of Biting My Tongue in ChiinaJeff Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08776493593387402607noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-65088952806053168562011-08-07T18:58:28.061-05:002011-08-07T18:58:28.061-05:00I lived and worked in a number of Muslim countries...I lived and worked in a number of Muslim countries and one finds similar restriction in some of them. But, many people know of us. When I lived in Iran in the mid-70s I met several who had gone to Utah State Univ. and they recognized me as a Mormon when I didn't drink tea. They also asked me about the temple and equated it to their going to Mecca. At that time (under the Shah) there was freedom of religion and for a short time there was an Iran mission (not too widely advertized, however). <br /><br />When living in Pakistan we received permission from the General Authorities to baptize non-Muslim Pakistanis. but the Church would not cause problems by proselyting Muslims. We were careful to honor this. Pakistni members now number in the thousands. It is part of one of the Indian missions. Many of the young men have served or are serving missions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-8941429104073707422011-08-07T10:28:18.467-05:002011-08-07T10:28:18.467-05:00Bookslinger, I don't know if it was obvious --...Bookslinger, I don't know if it was obvious -- maybe not. Next time I will explain a little more. Great question!Jeff Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08776493593387402607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-43420350994517796242011-08-04T16:14:29.195-05:002011-08-04T16:14:29.195-05:00The church has a similar non-proselyting agreement...The church has a similar non-proselyting agreement with Israel. It is a strange thing to have a great missionary opportunity and not be able to say anything. I was at the Jerusalem Center last fall, we came to realize just how powerful our example is. I'm certain that the trust we build by keeping our agreements will turn out to open doors later and give the church greater influence for good.Roberthttp://lettersfromr.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-64615664179589570512011-08-04T11:04:49.670-05:002011-08-04T11:04:49.670-05:00Jeff, when you declined to talk about the church ...Jeff, when you declined to talk about the church in the group setting, was the unspoken reason why obvious to the other participants? Or should you have said, "No thanks, your government prohibits religious talk by foreigners" ?<br /><br />As far as the celebrity status, that often happens to missionaries in 3rd world countries.Bookslingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15077778974473538408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-60624724415237981242011-08-04T09:55:31.012-05:002011-08-04T09:55:31.012-05:00Your reply should almost be a post itself--and a g...Your reply should almost be a post itself--and a great one at that!Michelle Glauserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646213573761736892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-38987289808262636102011-08-03T09:56:10.308-05:002011-08-03T09:56:10.308-05:00China does not allow proselyting. Religious gather...China does not allow proselyting. Religious gatherings are usually only allowed when conducted by state-approved religious leaders. For us to be able to meet openly without having state influence on our leaders is really remarkable, but requires that we not proselyte and restrict out meetings and activities to involve non-native Chinese only. I don't fully understand all the concerns, not being attuned to Chinese political theory, but I understand the privilege we've been given and recognize we must continue to earn trust. <br /><br />One man, after I explained that I can't talk about my religion, said, "Yes, I know you can't talk about it-but we can." What he meant was that behind our backs, they could see and discuss who were and jusge us, for better or for worse. He meant this very positively, but it can go either way if we aren't careful. <br /><br />In China, there's a sense that we are being watched carefully, not a creepy surveillance sense but a positive, almost exciting sense, and it makes it easier to remember to always try to be be a good example. <br /><br />It also makes it a lot of fun. It's so strange, but I keep getting treated like a celebrity just for doing simple things like showing up to a shop and chatting and buying something. I bought some dried kumquats tonight and boom, a crowd of employees gathers to joke and chat and get me to try more fruits. Loads of fun. Or I walk into KFC and suddenly 3 or 4 employees across the room are waiving at me like I'm their star customer, when all I buy is their cheapest little item, the 7 RMB ice cream cup when I'm overheated. Or I ride the ferry across the river and two teenage girls take turns have their picture taken standing next to me, like I'm Yao Ming or something. Hilarious. Scary how much damage I could do if I mess up (more than I do already, that is).Jeff Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08776493593387402607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-38583542786855618932011-08-02T13:00:47.266-05:002011-08-02T13:00:47.266-05:00That would be hard, Jeff. I admire your restraint...That would be hard, Jeff. I admire your restraint and commitment - and I am sure it will be rewarded in the future, somehow. You might or might not see it, but this difficult effort (to remain silent) will turn for good.Papa Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06704974609266088416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-56094869452454309102011-08-02T12:22:02.720-05:002011-08-02T12:22:02.720-05:00Why can't natives and non-natives worship toge...Why can't natives and non-natives worship together? And do you know what the Church does when someone lives hours and hours from the nearest branch or ward? I.e., how does one then secure a temple recommend for trips?Michelle Glauserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646213573761736892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-28662863206050964792011-08-02T11:34:20.355-05:002011-08-02T11:34:20.355-05:00Jeff, just stumbled across your blog and have real...Jeff, just stumbled across your blog and have really enjoyed reading your posts. My family and I lived in Shanghai from 2006-2008 and attended Church in the Pudong Branch. Keep up the great writing!<br />SteveStrategySmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07332544506866147938noreply@blogger.com